Deacon John Oliver (Lansing)

Deacon John L. Oliver went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at Mother Theresa House in Lansing Michigan. Age 81 years. He was born December 11, 1935, to Johnny and Christine Oliver in Howell, Georgia.

John married his high school sweetheart Theresa Marshall Oliver on Christmas Day in Brooks County, Georgia in 1957. They would have been married 59 years on Christmas Day. John was a resident of Lansing for 50 years, having moved to Lansing in 1966. He was employed at Norfolk Southern (aka Southern Railroad) and retired from General Motors Fisher Body.

John was a devoted church member and laborer for the Lord at Ellis Tabernacle. He was appointed Deacon by the late Apostle Elder Arzo Ellis, and served faithfully under Pastors, the late Zadie L. Tyner and Sarah Johnson, the current pastor. He was also the Sunday School superintendent for many years.

John affectionately known as: Pops, Papa, Dad and Bruh. He was well known for many things including his famous phrase, Boooy-III- tell ya; his massive gardens, along with his ingenious inventions like (car doors with plexi-glass windows, railroad tie car bumpers, and custom shelving).

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife of 59 years, Theresa; children: James Oliver of Valdosta, Georgia; Timothy Oliver (Stephanie Savage), Jennifer (Charles) Farmer and Anthony (Michele) Oliver all of Michigan; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings: Noreatha (Joe) Goethe, Gladys Golden and Ed (Betty) Oliver all of Georgia along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Johnny and Christine; son, Terry; brother, Leon; two sisters, Arleatha and Mrytle; and brother-in-law, Cleavland Golden.